NCAAF players who broke out in spring

Submitted by charlie on Tue, 04/19/2016 - 13:28

Shane Buechele. Longhorns sports betting fans finally have a quarterback who can withstand their desires as well as reward them. A freshman early enrollee, Buechele has the quiet cool of a college veteran. With that kind of mindset, Buechele can do things like what he did in one half of the Longhorns' spring game: 24 of 41 passing for 299 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.

Ryan Higgins. Higgins was the Bulldogs' starter when current NFC Rookie of the Year Jameis Winston was a freshman in college. Higgins is working to get back to that role in 2016, replacing former grad transfer Jeff Driskel. Higgins completed 27 of 34 passes for 469 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions recently.

Isaiah Johnson. The Cougars had three wide receiver linchpins sitting out, so Johnson had fewer competitors for the ball. But 15 catches is nothing to scoff at, and they were nine more than he had in 2015. A break-out sophomore, Johnson took those 15 passes for 292 yards and three touchdowns. With the speed and agility of a former state champion hurdler, and a 6-4 frame, Johnson can be awe-inspiring for a defensive back.

Levern Jacobs. Offensive coordinator Walt Bell's strategy is predicated on receivers who can get open quickly, and senior Jacobs fits that to a T. He had five receptions for 112 yards and two touchdowns recently. His career was interrupted by a season-long suspension in 2014 but he returned in 2015 to lead the Terps in receptions.

Trey Carter. Carter, who entered the spring game with one career tackle, had three sacks and a fumble recovery. Gambling odds are he could be an essential player for a Cowboys team looking to replace All-Emmanuel Ogbah. High high school ratings and the slew of major schools that wooed him are indications of his talent.

Darell Garretson. Garretson, a transfer from Utah State who sat out 2015, moved closer to the starting job for the Beavers. He was 21-of-32 for 263 yards and three touchdowns and showed such aplomb and confidence as Oregon State hasn't gotten from the younger quarterbacks on the roster.

Mack Hollins. Mitch Trubisky decided to look for Hollins early and often. Hollins led the FBS in yards per catch in 2015. The 6-4 senior had seven catches for 111 yards and a touchdown in one of Spring’s most impressive performances.

Braxton Berrios. Berrios came to Coral Gables with skills and high expectations. His sophomore season was marred by injuries, but he showed in new coach Mark Richt's first spring game that he is still a promising prospect, making eight catches for 127 yards and a touchdown. Berrios provides his fellow junior Brad Kaaya with a super-quick, slippery outlet on practically every pass play.